Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe reveals Matt Targett transfer truth after big Middlesbrough decision | OneFootball

Matt Targett is currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Newcastle United

Eddie Howe has explained why Newcastle United opted to not recall Matt Targett from Middlesbrough in January.

The defender is currently on loan with the Teesside outfit, but there was an option to cut that short and bring him back to the Premier League side during the winter market.

But the full-back has remained at the Riverside beyond last Monday’s deadline, meaning he will see out the campaign in Kim Hellberg’s side.

The 30-year-old has made 27 appearances in the Championship since making the switch to Boro in the summer, contributing two goals and three assists.

Middlesbrough will now be hoping that Targett plays a key role in the team’s pursuit of automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Eddie Howe offers Matt Targett recall update

Howe has confirmed that Newcastle’s decision to not recall Targett was due to taking into account what would be best for the player in order to avoid disrupting the harmony of his squad.

He believes bringing back the defender for a bit-part role at Tyneside would’ve been the best move for him, even if he could’ve provided some extra cover for the Premier League side for the rest of the season.

"It's not just for our wants and needs," said Howe, via The Northern Echo.

"There is another side to look at, and that is the player's perspective.

"So I don't think it is wise to force things on players that they don't want because you have to have a harmonious dressing room here.

"You have to have a group that is all aligned in the same direction.

"And of course that is no criticism of the players, everybody has different contract lengths and they have to think about their long-term futures.

"Certainly, both players are highly valued by us. But we have to make long-term decisions that help the football club on a daily basis."

Targett fell down the pecking order of Howe’s first team plans prior to his move to Middlesbrough in the summer.

He played just two times in the Premier League last season, with both appearances coming as a substitute as the Magpies earned Champions League qualification with a fifth-place finish.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough are now second in the Championship table, level on points with leaders Coventry City and four points clear of third place Hull City.

Next up for Hellberg’s side is a trip to face Sheffield United on 9 February in an 8.01pm kick-off at Bramall Lane.

Matt Targett remaining at Middlesbrough is best for all parties

Targett was only ever going to get one or two games for Newcastle if he was recalled this January, as he’d only be needed while a couple of players recover from injury.

Bringing him back would’ve been quite detrimental for the player, who has been a consistent performer in the Championship this season.

Leaving him at Middlesbrough makes the most sense for all parties, as the loan is proving quite beneficial so far.

And if he can help the club gain promotion this year, then perhaps the door could even be open to a permanent move in the summer.